Thursday, January 24, 2013

Notice I wrote "best brownies" in quotations. I am not sure if they are the best because I did not get to try them myself! I threw this together last night before our youth choir party. The official recipe that is online includes a recipe for the frosting. I had some chocolate frosting at home that I used and drizzled with warm caramel. It looked good :)

Monday, January 21, 2013

As a young adult, she was responsible, helpful, caring,
and softhearted. She was always in thought, open minded and understanding. The definition of a
blessed young lady.
Some knew her as a hard worker with great ambition. Some saw her as fun, friendly and energetic. Always
very serious, but with a sense of humor. Many did not see her as a shy
person, but if only they knew that downhearted, quiet, lonely teenager.

Loving actions
did not always work their power, but negative words from a harsh tongue never
missed a chance in prevailing in her thoughts. These words began to consume her. Even though she acted as if everything was okay, she never
complained, she never raised her voice, she took everything really close to
heart. There in her soul she hid the hurt. It was locked inside. Almost a year had passed
and nobody noticed the difference in her. And then one night a voice spoke,
"You're not worth it. No one cares." And to think of it if no one cares...
then what's the point. Right?

Days passed and a plan arose.

Scared but
determined that this would solve everything she took whatever pills she
saw in front of her and went to bed. Each night she took a larger and more lethal dose. She did not want to do it, but that voice was so convincing.
She finally decided to just be done with it. The darkness of life was so miserable and hopeless.

One evening as she crouched with a handful of pills and a glass of water, tears ran
down her face. The truth of her disgusting actions seemed to mock her, pulling her deeper into depression. She looked up. Around the corner saw a face. It was human but
scary with a nasty, evil grin on his shadowed face. It hit her... What is she
doing? It does not have to end like this, it all ended years ago on the
cross. She threw out the pills in a moments of broken victory and fled the room, sobbing.

We face
many struggles in life. But with prayer and faith God molds us into the
people He wants us to be. It only takes time, courage and willingness
to let go of yourself and welcome God to live in your heart, and let Him
lead. The devil will keep trying to tell you lies, but He who died on the cross
brings us truth, love and eternal life. Let the Lord teach us, amongst
thousands of voices to only hear His.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

November 2012: I had a big decision to make. This decision kept me tossing and turning at night, it gave me nightmares, fear would run through me when thinking about saying "yes". I learned a lot about fear at that time. The fear of taking a risk, being responsible. The fear of failure... I was asked to be the head of the kitchen for a church new years celebration. For 400 people.

Let me tell you. I prayed about it, talked to Lesya and finally said yes. 500 people came. And I couldn't have done it without God and Lesya. Check out her blog here (*this is not an advertisement) lol.

We started with planning, then shopping. Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. Wegman's. Sam's Club. Tops. BJ's... repeat. And I can't forget the appalled glances we received from fellow shoppers. They must have been confused as to why two (young, beautiful, accomplished..) women would buy in such extreme bulk.

Multi-tasking- a very important thing women do. It is a learned skill that Irina here seems to have mastered!

A lesson for all: Satisfaction in food is 100% taste and 100% presentation.

One of my favorites we made. Berry pretzel dessert shooters. Using this recipe: click here

After running around like crazy we finally had time to just chill. I am disappointed that Lesya and I did not take any pictures together with our matching aprons!

What a unique experience. All credit and praise goes to God for giving us wisdom and strength!

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23. 24

I am not posting to brag about an accomplishment. I want this message to be clear... Don't let fear stop you. Pray. And then do it as if working for the Lord.